Zoo mating programs aren’t always successful. Staffers at Japan’s Maruyama Zoo recently discovered that two spotted hyenas, which were chosen specifically for breeding, are both males.
When working with animals, deciphering gender can be tricky even for professionals. Staffers at Japan’s Maruyama Zoo recently discovered that two spotted hyenas, which were chosen specifically for breeding, are both males.
The mistake is a pretty embarrassing one, considering the two animals had been in the program for four years. The creatures were born at the same South Korean zoo in 2008 and 2009.
In 2010, Maruyama Zoo received the pair of spotted hyenas a gift. Somehow the creatures were mistakenly labeled; one was listed as a female while the other was said to be a male.
With that in mind, keepers believed the two would create perfect little baby hyenas, especially because the duo shared a sweet bond while they were young.
However in 2012, the pair focused less on cuddling and spent their days fighting instead. Eventually they had to be kept in separate cages.
When staffers launched an investigation to find out what the problem was, they learned via a gender test that both hyenas are the same sex. The error can’t solely be blamed on the labeling mishap.
Appearance played a role as well. Female spotted hyenas have what is referred to as a ‘pseudo-penis’ which means their feminine parts are nearly the same size as a male’s.
